Le Mars Culture
Le Mars has several individual buildings on the National Register of Historic Places: Plymouth County Court House, St. George's Episcopal Church, Le Mars Art Center (former Carnegie Library), the Round Barn at the fairgrounds, Old Central School, (there is another. I think).
Le Mars also has 2 Historic Districts. The Le Mars Municipal Park and Golf Course (recently renamed the Willow Creek Golf Course) Historic District and the Foster Park Historic District. These two districts add another 168 contributing historical buildings to the above list of historic buildings. Besides these buildings which ARE on the National Register, there are many other eligible buildings which could qualify for the Register.
Walking tours may be arranged through the Le Mars Visitor Center, the Plymouth County Historical Museum, or through the Historic Preservation Commission.
The Plymouth County Historical Museum features five floors of local heritage exhibits in a former school building that is over 100 years old. Located at 335 First Avenue Southwest in Le Mars. Open hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free admission. For special tours: 546-7002.
Le Mars Community Theater
LMCT stages four productions each January though December and a biennial fundraiser. The volunteer organization was started in 1968 and we are proud of our 41 years history of quality, live, affordable entertainment in the city of Le Mars and the surrounding area. Through the generosity of our patrons, we have accumulated a large costume department, including an impressive collection of antique and period clothing. Costume rental is ongoing throughout the year by appointment.
Built in 1914, the home of Le Mars Community Theater is located at 105 1st Street NE. The building was turned over to the city following construction of a new post office. A contest was held to give our new home a name and it became, appropriately, The Postal Playhouse. We are committed to the preservation of this local landmark and take pride in our ability to continue to improve and maintain it.
We believe in community outreach and stage productions at community events throughout the year upon request of respective community organizations and schedule availability . Please contact us at (712) 546-5788 or via email @ lctplayhouse@frontier.com
The Arts Center – 200 Central Ave SE
Home of the Barn Quilts of Plymouth County, Westmar Music Lending Library, Gallery III gift shop, Genevieve Grau Pottery Studio, Kindermusik®, Le Mars Flute Choir; monthly exchange of exhibited art, scheduled arts classes and summer day camps. Contact us through lemarsarts.com or by calling 712.546.7476. Gallery and office hours are Thursday through Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
The Le Mars Municipal Band
One of the oldest bands in Northwest Iowa, having been in existence for over one hundred years. The band is made up of professional musicians and other talented area musicians. The band presents six summer concerts during June and July at historical Foster Park in Le Mars. The concerts are free to the public courtesy of the City of Le Mars and friends and supporters of the band.
